10 Questions with Stephanie Halligan from Art to Self

Today is the 28th edition of our periodic guest post series called 10 Questions. We have a list of 17 questions we pose to fellow financial bloggers, and they are free to pick and choose 10 or answer all of them. Let us know if you would like to be featured in a future edition of 10 Questions.

Today, our 10 Questions are being answered by Stephanie Halligan, the cartoonist behind Art to Self. Art to Self is Stephanie’s way of bringing her mood up when she’s feeling down, a daily reminder to “love the heck out of life.”

Tell me how you’re going to change the world with your blog (dream big or don’t dream at all!).
Everyone has two sides to themselves: the side that believes they can do anything and the side that’s full of doubt and worry. We all deserve to feel like we’re enough and we have the courage to make big moves in our lives – sometimes we just need a reminder! And cartoons are a great way to do that.

What goals do you have for your blog, short and long term? I came out with Art to Self the book last week! After a year of doing this daily, I can’t wait to share this collection of my favorite cartoon notes with the world. After I have that book in my hand, I’m excited to shop it around to publishers, kick start my public speaking, and see where this takes me! (Click here for information about how to purchase the book of cartoons to remind you of your awesomeness.)

Do you enjoy writing?
Absolutely – and drawing. It’s a very personal process for me 🙂

What post are you most proud of and why?
The Fear Monster post was a really important post for me. I was feeling really nervous and scared about launching my book. But when I realized that if I embrace the fear, it can tell me a lot. And what it tells me is how important this book feels to me – and that’s a good thing. The response to this was great. And my favorite posts are the ones that other people relate to the most.

1500 Days is about early retirement. Do you have early retirement dreams? At what age do you think you will retire?
I feel like I’m already living the life of semi-retirement. I worked really hard in my 9-5 life to pay off debt and build a cushion of savings; now I’m self-employed, drawing cartoons and consulting for a living. I work less, enjoy life more, and never really feel like I “need” a vacation. A pretty good place to be at 28 years old!

If blogging isn’t your full time gig, what is? 
In addition to Art to Self, I do commissioned cartoons and whiteboard animations. I also consult in the financial literacy field.

When you are 90 and look back on your life, what do you hope you have accomplished?
I hope that I could say that I lived a life that was intentional. That I didn’t worry so much. That I enjoyed each precious moment for what it was. And that I’m still figuring out what to do with the billions of dollars I earned as a cartoonist!

What is the best money management or investment tool you have come across?
Honestly, the “note taking” app on my phone has helped me most. Whenever I make a purchase, I log it in my phone with the total and where. I have a flexible monthly amount I’m allowed to spend, and this keeps me accountable if I’m getting close to that limit.

How do you handle people with different views on money, ie spendy people?
There’s always a lesson: spendy people have taught me a lot. I used to be “cheap” and wouldn’t even buy myself things I needed (like a new laptop when mine was barely alive). So I always look at others behaviors as a lesson: what can I learn and how does this help reinforce the values I already have?

Did you grow up with money? How did your money situation growing up influence you?
I am a recovering cheap-a-holic. I definitely get that over-frugality from my parents. But it helped me turn into a very good saver as an adult and really value working for what you want.

Did your parents teach you about money as a kid? How so? 
I wasn’t ever taught it, but it’s so obvious now as an adult what is “naturally” ingrained in me. Kids are observant like that – they soak it all in, even if you don’t teach them directly!

What is your favorite style of beer – and what is your favorite beer in that style?
A nice… pinot noir 😉 I used to be a huge beer person but after I redid my diet a few years ago, beer’s not on the menu anymore (but I don’t miss it!)

We notice a lot of frugal people are into board games – what is your favorite?
Ticket to ride! It’s so strategic and I love that you never know if you’ve won until the very end.

What is the best thing you’ve read lately.
Big Magic. Incredible read for any creative type out there. It felt like Liz Gilbert was holding my hand while I was putting the finishing touches on my book.

What do you do for exercise?
Yoga is my go-to “get out of my head and into my body” exercise. I love a good hike or bike ride.

What’s your favorite artist or cartoonist?
I grew up loving Calvin and Hobbes, Looney Tunes and the FarSide. Even as an adult, I can see the influences they have on my work: I’m very philosophical with my cartoons (like Calvin and Hobbes) but I’m always sure to add a little wackiness to them.

A huge thanks to Stephanie for answering our questions this week. Keep in touch with her on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and over at ArtToSelf.com, where you can sign up for a daily dose of Art to be delivered to your inbox.